10826658

System and Method for Multi-Carrier Network Operation

PublishedNovember 3, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
22 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A base station, comprising: one or more hardware processors; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors, the programming instructions instruct the one or more processors to: assign, to a user equipment (UE), a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI); transmit, to the UE, a component carrier assignment message via a first component carrier different from a second component carrier, wherein the component carrier assignment message identifies the second component carrier, and instructs the UE to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) of the second component carrier for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) assignment, wherein the component carrier assignment message further indicates whether the second component carrier is a Type A or Type B component carrier; in case the second component carrier is a Type A component carrier according to the component carrier assignment message, configure a physical cell identity (PCI) of the second component carrier using Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) signaling; in case the second component carrier is a Type B component carrier according to the component carrier assignment message, configure a virtual PCI of the second component carrier using RRC signaling; scramble information for the UE with a scrambling sequence based on the C-RNTI and the PCI or the virtual PCI of the second component carrier, wherein the PCI or the virtual PCI of the second component carrier is different from a PCI of the first component carrier; and transmit, to the UE, the scrambled information using the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving component carrier management in base stations for user equipment (UE) communication. The problem addressed is efficient and secure assignment of component carriers in multi-carrier networks, ensuring proper identification and configuration of physical and virtual cell identities (PCI) to avoid interference and improve resource allocation. The base station includes hardware processors and a storage medium with programming instructions. The system assigns a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI) to a UE and transmits a component carrier assignment message via a first component carrier, specifying a second component carrier for monitoring. The message indicates whether the second carrier is Type A (using a physical PCI) or Type B (using a virtual PCI). For Type A carriers, the PCI is configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, while Type B carriers use a virtual PCI. The base station scrambles information for the UE using a sequence derived from the C-RNTI and the PCI or virtual PCI of the second carrier, ensuring the PCI/virtual PCI differs from the first carrier's PCI. The scrambled information is then transmitted via the second carrier. This approach enhances carrier management by distinguishing between physical and virtual identities, reducing interference and improving communication reliability in multi-carrier environments.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The base station of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first component carrier or the second component carrier is a cell.

Plain English Translation

A base station in a wireless communication system manages multiple component carriers, which are frequency bands used for data transmission. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently coordinating these carriers, particularly when at least one of them functions as a cell—a self-contained communication unit with its own control signaling. The base station dynamically allocates resources across the carriers, ensuring seamless integration between the cell and other component carriers. This includes handling control and data channels, managing interference, and optimizing throughput. The system may prioritize certain carriers for specific tasks, such as using the cell for critical signaling while offloading data to other carriers. The base station also monitors performance metrics to adjust allocations in real-time, improving overall network efficiency. This approach enhances flexibility and reliability in heterogeneous networks where different carriers serve distinct roles. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios requiring dynamic resource allocation, such as in 5G networks with diverse service demands.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the first component carrier is an anchor component carrier.

Plain English Translation

A wireless communication system uses multiple component carriers to enhance data transmission efficiency. However, managing these carriers, especially when one serves as an anchor, presents challenges in maintaining reliable connectivity and optimizing resource allocation. The invention addresses this by providing a base station that includes a first component carrier and a second component carrier, where the first component carrier is designated as an anchor. The base station further includes a processor configured to allocate resources between the component carriers based on their roles. The anchor component carrier handles critical control signaling and ensures stable connectivity, while the second component carrier may be used for additional data transmission or offloading. The processor dynamically adjusts resource allocation to balance load, minimize interference, and maintain service quality. This approach improves network efficiency by leveraging the anchor carrier for essential functions while flexibly utilizing the second carrier for supplementary tasks. The system ensures seamless handover and reduces signaling overhead, enhancing overall performance in multi-carrier environments.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the second component carrier is a non-anchor component carrier.

Plain English Translation

A base station in a wireless communication system is configured to manage multiple component carriers, including an anchor carrier and at least one non-anchor carrier. The anchor carrier handles essential control signaling, while the non-anchor carrier is used for additional data transmission. The base station dynamically allocates resources across these carriers to optimize network performance. The non-anchor carrier may be configured to support specific services or traffic types, such as high-bandwidth data, while the anchor carrier maintains critical control functions. This setup allows for flexible resource management, improving efficiency and reliability in heterogeneous network environments. The base station may also coordinate with user devices to ensure seamless handover and load balancing between carriers. This approach enhances spectral efficiency and user experience by leveraging the strengths of both anchor and non-anchor carriers.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the first component carrier is a member of at least one of a set of active component carriers or a set of assigned component carriers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to base stations configured to manage multiple component carriers in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of component carriers to optimize resource allocation and reduce signaling overhead in multi-carrier environments. The base station includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform operations related to component carrier management. The base station is configured to determine a first component carrier for a user equipment (UE) device, where this carrier is part of either an active set of component carriers or an assigned set of component carriers. The active set includes carriers currently in use for communication, while the assigned set includes carriers allocated to the UE but not necessarily active. The base station may also manage a second component carrier, which could be part of a different set, such as a deactivated or reserved set. The system ensures proper synchronization and coordination between these carriers to maintain reliable communication links. The invention aims to improve carrier management efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance overall system performance in multi-carrier wireless networks.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the second component carrier is a member of at least one of a set of active component carriers or a set of assigned component carriers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to base stations configured to manage multiple component carriers in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of component carriers to optimize resource allocation and reduce signaling overhead in wireless networks. The base station includes a first component carrier and a second component carrier, where the second component carrier is dynamically selected from either a set of active component carriers or a set of assigned component carriers. Active component carriers are those currently in use for data transmission, while assigned component carriers are those allocated to a user device but not necessarily active. The base station dynamically adjusts the selection of the second component carrier based on network conditions, user device requirements, or traffic load to improve spectral efficiency and reduce unnecessary signaling. The system ensures that the second component carrier is either actively transmitting data or is reserved for future use, preventing resource waste and improving overall network performance. By distinguishing between active and assigned carriers, the base station can prioritize resources more effectively, reducing latency and enhancing user experience. This approach is particularly useful in dense network environments where efficient carrier management is critical.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the C-RNTI is used to perform channel scrambling on the first component carrier and the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

A base station in a wireless communication system manages multiple component carriers for user equipment (UE) operating in carrier aggregation mode. The base station assigns a cell-radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) to the UE, which is used for channel scrambling across both a first component carrier and a second component carrier. This ensures secure and synchronized communication by applying the same scrambling sequence derived from the C-RNTI to both carriers, preventing interference and unauthorized access. The base station also transmits control information, including the C-RNTI, to the UE over a downlink control channel, enabling the UE to properly descramble received data. The system supports dynamic allocation of component carriers, allowing the base station to add or remove carriers based on network conditions and UE requirements. The use of a single C-RNTI for scrambling across multiple carriers simplifies resource management and reduces signaling overhead. This approach enhances reliability and efficiency in multi-carrier wireless communication environments.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the base station does not transmit a synchronization signal on the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to base stations configured to manage synchronization signals across multiple component carriers in a carrier aggregation scenario. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of resources when synchronization signals are transmitted on all component carriers, which can lead to unnecessary overhead and interference. The base station includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to determine that a first component carrier is a primary component carrier and a second component carrier is a secondary component carrier. The transceiver is configured to transmit a synchronization signal on the first component carrier but not on the second component carrier. This selective transmission reduces signaling overhead and conserves resources while maintaining synchronization for user devices. The base station may also include a memory storing instructions for the processor to manage component carrier assignments and synchronization signal transmission. The transceiver may further handle uplink and downlink communications, ensuring that synchronization is maintained only on the primary component carrier. This approach optimizes network performance by avoiding redundant synchronization signals on secondary carriers.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the component carrier assignment message is transmitted using a Radio Resource Control (“RRC”) signaling.

Plain English Translation

A base station in a wireless communication system assigns component carriers to user equipment (UE) to manage radio resources efficiently. The base station determines the available component carriers and selects one or more for assignment based on factors such as UE capability, network load, and signal quality. The assignment is communicated to the UE via a component carrier assignment message. This message is transmitted using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, which is a higher-layer protocol in the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G New Radio (NR) standards. RRC signaling ensures reliable delivery of configuration information, including carrier assignments, to establish and maintain communication links. The base station may also monitor the assigned carriers to adjust assignments dynamically based on changing conditions. This approach optimizes spectrum utilization and enhances data throughput while maintaining stable connectivity. The system supports both downlink and uplink transmissions across multiple carriers, improving overall network performance. The use of RRC signaling ensures compatibility with existing protocols and simplifies integration into current wireless infrastructure.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The base station of claim 1 , wherein performing scrambling on the second component carrier includes scrambling at least one of a control channel or a traffic channel of the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to base stations that manage multiple component carriers in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is ensuring secure and reliable communication across different component carriers, particularly when scrambling techniques are applied to control or traffic channels. The base station operates in a wireless network where multiple component carriers are aggregated to increase data throughput. The base station includes a scrambling module that applies scrambling to at least one of the control channel or the traffic channel of a second component carrier. Scrambling is a technique used to encode data to prevent unauthorized access and reduce interference. The scrambling module may use different scrambling sequences or parameters for different component carriers to ensure proper synchronization and security. The base station also includes a transmission module that transmits the scrambled data over the second component carrier to a user device. The transmission module ensures that the scrambled data is properly formatted and synchronized with other component carriers to maintain communication integrity. The base station may also include a receiving module that receives feedback or acknowledgments from the user device to confirm successful data transmission. The invention improves communication security and reliability in carrier aggregation by applying scrambling to control or traffic channels of additional component carriers, ensuring that data remains protected and synchronized across multiple carriers.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. A method, comprising: assigning, to a user equipment (UE), a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI); transmitting, to the UE, a component carrier assignment message via a first component carrier different from a second component carrier, wherein the component carrier assignment message identifies the second component carrier, and instructs the UE to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) of the second component carrier for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) assignment, wherein the component carrier assignment message further indicates whether the second component carrier is a Type A or Type B component carrier; in case the second component carrier is a Type A component carrier according to the component carrier assignment message, configuring a physical cell identity (PCI) of the second component carrier using Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) signaling; in case the second component carrier is a Type B component carrier according to the component carrier assignment message, configuring a virtual PCI of the second component carrier using RRC signaling; scrambling information for the UE with a scrambling sequence based on the C-RNTI and the PCI or the virtual PCI of the second component carrier, wherein the PCI or the virtual PCI of the second component carrier is different from a PCI of the first component carrier; and transmitting, to the UE, the scrambled information using the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing component carriers in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is the efficient assignment and configuration of multiple component carriers to user equipment (UE) while ensuring proper identification and secure communication. The method involves assigning a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI) to a UE and transmitting a component carrier assignment message via a first component carrier. This message identifies a second component carrier and instructs the UE to monitor its physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) assignments. The message also specifies whether the second component carrier is a Type A or Type B carrier. For Type A carriers, the physical cell identity (PCI) of the second component carrier is configured using Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) signaling. For Type B carriers, a virtual PCI is configured instead. Information transmitted to the UE is scrambled using a sequence based on the C-RNTI and either the PCI or virtual PCI of the second component carrier, ensuring the PCI or virtual PCI differs from that of the first component carrier. The scrambled information is then transmitted via the second component carrier. This approach optimizes carrier management by distinguishing between physical and virtual identities, enhancing security and reducing interference in multi-carrier environments.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first component carrier or the second component carrier is a cell.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for wireless communication involves managing component carriers in a network to improve data transmission efficiency. The technology addresses challenges in coordinating multiple component carriers, such as cells, to optimize resource allocation and reduce interference. The method includes selecting a first component carrier and a second component carrier for communication, where at least one of these carriers is a cell. The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as bandwidth, timing, or power allocation between the carriers to enhance performance. This may involve prioritizing one carrier over another based on network conditions, user device capabilities, or traffic demands. The method ensures seamless handover or aggregation of carriers to maintain stable connectivity. By intelligently managing these carriers, the system improves spectral efficiency, reduces latency, and enhances overall network reliability. The approach is particularly useful in heterogeneous networks where different types of component carriers coexist, such as macro cells, small cells, or licensed/unlicensed spectrum bands. The solution helps operators maximize resource utilization while maintaining high-quality service for users.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the first component carrier is an anchor component carrier.

Plain English Translation

A method for wireless communication involves managing component carriers in a multi-carrier system to improve reliability and efficiency. The method addresses the challenge of maintaining stable communication links in environments with varying signal conditions, such as interference or mobility-induced signal degradation. A first component carrier, designated as an anchor component carrier, is used to establish and maintain a primary communication link with a user device. This anchor carrier serves as a stable reference point for control signaling and critical data transmission, ensuring that essential communication functions remain operational even if other component carriers experience disruptions. The method may also include dynamically adjusting the configuration of additional component carriers based on real-time conditions, such as signal strength or data throughput requirements, to optimize overall performance. By prioritizing the anchor component carrier for critical functions, the system enhances reliability while allowing flexibility in the use of secondary carriers for non-critical or supplementary data. This approach is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks, such as 5G or beyond, where multiple carriers are aggregated to support high-speed, low-latency communication.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the second component carrier is a non-anchor component carrier.

Plain English Translation

A method for wireless communication involves managing component carriers in a multi-carrier system, particularly focusing on non-anchor component carriers. The technique addresses the challenge of efficiently handling multiple component carriers in a wireless network, where an anchor carrier provides primary control signaling while non-anchor carriers support additional data transmission. The method includes configuring a user device to monitor a non-anchor component carrier for control information, such as scheduling assignments or resource allocations, rather than relying solely on the anchor carrier. This approach improves resource utilization and reduces signaling overhead by distributing control functions across multiple carriers. The method may also involve dynamically adjusting the configuration of the non-anchor carrier based on network conditions or device capabilities, ensuring optimal performance. By leveraging non-anchor carriers for control signaling, the system enhances flexibility and efficiency in wireless communications, particularly in scenarios with high data demands or complex network topologies. The technique is applicable to advanced wireless standards, such as LTE-Advanced or 5G, where carrier aggregation is used to increase bandwidth and throughput.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the first component carrier is a member of at least one of a set of active component carriers or a set of assigned component carriers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing component carriers in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is the efficient allocation and utilization of component carriers to optimize network performance and resource management. The method involves selecting a first component carrier from a set of available component carriers, where the first component carrier is either an active component carrier or an assigned component carrier. Active component carriers are those currently in use for data transmission, while assigned component carriers are those allocated to a user equipment (UE) but not necessarily active. The selection process ensures that the chosen component carrier meets specific criteria, such as signal quality, load balancing, or user requirements, to enhance communication efficiency. The method further includes configuring the selected component carrier for data transmission, which may involve adjusting parameters like bandwidth, modulation scheme, or power levels to optimize performance. Additionally, the method may involve monitoring the component carrier's performance and dynamically adjusting its status (e.g., activating or deactivating it) based on real-time conditions. This dynamic management helps in maintaining optimal network performance and resource utilization. By distinguishing between active and assigned component carriers, the method ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, reducing unnecessary overhead and improving overall system throughput. This approach is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks where multiple component carriers are aggregated to provide higher data rates and better reliability.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the second component carrier is a member of at least one of a set of active component carriers or a set of assigned component carriers.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing component carriers in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of multiple component carriers to optimize resource allocation and reduce signaling overhead in wireless networks. The method involves selecting a second component carrier from a set of available component carriers for use in a communication session. The second component carrier is chosen from either a set of active component carriers or a set of assigned component carriers. Active component carriers are those currently being used for data transmission, while assigned component carriers are those allocated to a user device but not necessarily active. The selection process ensures that the chosen carrier meets specific criteria, such as signal quality, load balancing, or user device capabilities, to enhance communication performance. The method further includes configuring the second component carrier based on the selection, which may involve adjusting transmission parameters, allocating resources, or updating network configurations. This dynamic management of component carriers helps improve spectral efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance overall network performance. The approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple carriers are aggregated to provide higher data rates or better coverage.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the C-RNTI is used to perform channel scrambling on the first component carrier and the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing communication resources in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed involves efficiently coordinating multiple component carriers in a wireless network to improve data transmission reliability and security. In such systems, user equipment (UE) communicates with a base station using multiple frequency bands simultaneously, requiring precise synchronization and identification of data streams. The invention describes a method where a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) is assigned to a user device for use across multiple component carriers. The C-RNTI is utilized to scramble communication channels on both a first and a second component carrier, ensuring that data transmitted over these carriers is securely encoded and distinguishable from other users' data. This scrambling process helps prevent interference and improves signal integrity by uniquely identifying the data streams associated with the user device. The method ensures that the same C-RNTI is applied consistently across all component carriers involved in the communication, maintaining synchronization and reducing the risk of data corruption. This approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of data transmission in multi-carrier wireless networks.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The method of claim 11 , wherein a synchronization signal is not transmitted on the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

A method for wireless communication involves managing synchronization signals across multiple component carriers in a wireless network. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of resources when synchronization signals are transmitted on all component carriers, leading to unnecessary overhead and potential interference. The solution involves selectively transmitting synchronization signals on a first component carrier while omitting them on a second component carrier. This approach reduces signaling overhead and conserves bandwidth, particularly in scenarios where synchronization is already maintained through other means or where the second component carrier is used for data transmission without requiring independent synchronization. The method ensures that devices can still synchronize with the network while minimizing redundant transmissions. The synchronization signal may include a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), which are critical for initial cell search and timing alignment. By avoiding transmission of these signals on the second component carrier, the system optimizes resource allocation and improves overall network efficiency. This technique is particularly useful in carrier aggregation scenarios where multiple component carriers are used to enhance data rates and capacity.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the component carrier assignment message is transmitted using a Radio Resource Control (“RRC”) signaling.

Plain English Translation

A method for assigning component carriers in a wireless communication system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing multiple carrier aggregation configurations. The method involves transmitting a component carrier assignment message to a user equipment (UE) to dynamically allocate or deallocate component carriers based on network conditions or UE requirements. The assignment message specifies parameters such as carrier frequencies, bandwidths, and timing configurations for the assigned carriers. This dynamic allocation optimizes resource utilization and improves data throughput. The method further includes transmitting the component carrier assignment message using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, which provides a reliable and standardized way to convey configuration updates between the network and the UE. RRC signaling ensures secure and efficient communication of carrier assignment details, enabling seamless integration with existing wireless protocols. The method supports flexible carrier management, allowing the network to adapt to varying traffic demands and UE capabilities while maintaining stable connectivity. This approach enhances spectral efficiency and reduces signaling overhead compared to static carrier configurations. The technique is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks, such as 5G, where carrier aggregation is critical for achieving high data rates and low latency.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The method of claim 11 , wherein performing scrambling on the second component carrier includes scrambling at least one of a control channel or a traffic channel of the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for scrambling signals in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is ensuring secure and interference-resistant communication across multiple component carriers in a wireless network. Carrier aggregation allows a user device to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously, but this can lead to interference or security vulnerabilities if not properly managed. The method involves scrambling at least one of a control channel or a traffic channel on a second component carrier. Scrambling is a technique used to modify signals to prevent unauthorized access or reduce interference. The control channel carries essential signaling information, while the traffic channel carries user data. By scrambling these channels, the system enhances security and reduces the likelihood of interference between different component carriers. The scrambling process may involve applying a pseudo-random sequence or a specific scrambling code to the channel data. This ensures that the transmitted signals are less susceptible to eavesdropping or collisions with other signals. The method is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks where multiple component carriers are used to increase data rates and improve network capacity. The invention improves the reliability and security of wireless communications in carrier aggregation environments.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions to cause a processor to perform operations comprising: assigning, to a user equipment (UE), a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI); transmitting, to the UE, a component carrier assignment message via a first component carrier different from a second component carrier, wherein the component carrier assignment message identifies the second component carrier, and instructs the UE to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) of the second component carrier for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) assignment, wherein the component carrier assignment message further indicates whether the second component carrier is a Type A or Type B component carrier; in case the second component carrier is a Type A component carrier according to the component carrier assignment message, configuring a physical cell identity (PCI) of the second component carrier using Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) signaling; in case the second component carrier is a Type B component carrier according to the component carrier assignment message, configuring a virtual PCI of the second component carrier using RRC signaling; scrambling information for the UE with a scrambling sequence based on the C-RNTI and the PCI or the virtual PCI of the second component carrier, wherein the PCI or the virtual PCI of the second component carrier is different from a PCI of the first component carrier; and transmitting, to the UE, the scrambled information using the second component carrier.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing component carriers in carrier aggregation scenarios. The problem addressed is the efficient assignment and configuration of component carriers to user equipment (UE) while ensuring proper identification and security through scrambling. The system assigns a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI) to a UE and transmits a component carrier assignment message via a first component carrier. This message identifies a second component carrier and instructs the UE to monitor its physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) assignments. The message also specifies whether the second component carrier is Type A or Type B. For Type A component carriers, the physical cell identity (PCI) is configured using Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) signaling. For Type B component carriers, a virtual PCI is configured instead. The system then scrambles information for the UE using a sequence derived from the C-RNTI and either the PCI or virtual PCI of the second component carrier, ensuring the PCI or virtual PCI differs from that of the first component carrier. The scrambled information is transmitted to the UE via the second component carrier. This approach improves carrier management by dynamically configuring identities and ensuring secure communication through proper scrambling.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The base station of claim 1 , wherein the PCI of the second component carrier is a Virtual Cell Identity.

Plain English Translation

A base station in a wireless communication system is configured to manage multiple component carriers, each associated with a Physical Cell Identity (PCI). The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently identifying and managing component carriers, particularly in scenarios where multiple carriers are deployed within the same cell or across neighboring cells. The base station includes a first component carrier with a PCI and a second component carrier with a PCI that is a Virtual Cell Identity (VCI). The VCI is used to distinguish the second component carrier from the first, allowing for flexible and scalable carrier management. The base station may also include a processor to assign or modify the PCI of the second component carrier based on network conditions, such as interference levels or load balancing requirements. The use of a VCI enables dynamic reconfiguration of component carriers without requiring changes to the physical infrastructure, improving network efficiency and reducing signaling overhead. The base station may further include a transmitter to broadcast the PCI of the second component carrier to user equipment, ensuring proper synchronization and communication. This approach enhances carrier identification and management in dense network deployments, supporting advanced features like carrier aggregation and small cell integration.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

November 3, 2020

Inventors

Mo-Han Fong
Sean Michael McBeath
Youn Hyoung Heo
Jun Li
Hua Xu

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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-CARRIER NETWORK OPERATION